The top analysis of 2016: How tax relief reform will affect pension schemes
What were the most read analysis articles on Professional Pensions over the last 12 months? Here are the top stories of the year.
1. How tax relief reform will affect pension schemes
Jonathan Stapleton looks at some of the implications of any shift to flat-rate pension tax relief
2. TPR's four priorities for 2016
TPR chief executive Lesley Titcomb looks at the key challenges facing the pensions industry and the regulator.
3. Time to take action on spiralling DB deficits
As deficits soared following the Bank of England's rate cut and stimulus package, the future for DB looks even more challenging. A major re-think is needed to avert a pensions crisis, writes Stephanie Baxter.
4. How British Steel rule change could hurt oldest pensioners
Allowing the British Steel scheme to ditch RPI for statutory minimum levels could lead to big losses for older members and create a loophole for other DB schemes, writes Stephanie Baxter.
5. Revised DC Code: TPR guidance for trustees
The Pensions Regulator has launched a series of guides to help trustees implement the revised defined contribution code. Jonathan Stapleton takes a look.
6. Brexit: How will pension regulation change?
Britain's vote to leave the European Union has shocked pollsters and investors, but what are the legislative and regulatory changes schemes and trustees can expect? James Phillips reports.
7. Should there be a statutory override converting RPI to CPI?
The debate over whether schemes should be able to change statutory pension increases from RPI to CPI continues with calls for a statutory override to be put in place. Kristian Brunt-Seymour considers its feasibility
8. Who controls the LGPS: members or the government?
The government's plans to reform the LGPS could undermine the power and rights of members. Michael Klimes finds out how.
9. Government plans major overhaul of British Steel scheme
The government has published proposals to keep the British Steel Pension Scheme out of the PPF while reducing its liabilities to make Tata Steel UK more attractive to buyers. Stephanie Baxter explores the options.
10. Independent Governance Committees: A list of who is sitting on which IGCs
Professional Pensions looks at the make up of the Independent Governance Committees that oversee contract-based pension providers.
11. Bob Scott: We need statutory override to allow RPI/CPI switch
The first six months of 2016 has been a whirlwind time for the pensions industry. The Association of Consulting Actuaries' incoming chair tells Kristian Brunt-Seymour about the policy changes he would like to see.
12. What MPs are being told about the future of DB
MPs are considering a wide range of views on how to solve the DB 'crisis'. James Phillips rounds up the responses.
13. DC code: Why trustees should aim for full compliance
The Pensions Regulator's updated DC code outlines what it expects of trustees, but it is not mandatory. James Phillips explores what trustees can take from its recommendations.
14. How DB schemes affect FTSE100 market valuations
Jonathan Stapleton looks at research from Llewellyn Consulting, which analyses the impact of DB liabilities on the share price of FTSE100 firms.
15. DB funding is being hit with perfect storm of lower returns and yields
Gilt yields have fallen on the back of January's market jitters and rate rise expectations have been pushed back again. This coupled with lower returns does not bode well for DB schemes, finds Stephanie Baxter.
16. Brexit could give rise to better bulk annuity pricing
While the market volatility and falling gilt yields in the aftermath of the EU referendum is bad news for DB schemes, they could actually benefit from more attractive buy-in and buyout pricing. Kristian Brunt-Seymour explores which schemes could benefit most.
17. Who has master trust accreditation?
Many master trusts say they have achieved the Master Trust Assurance Framework accreditation yet very few appear on the regulator's official list. Helen Morrissey asks why this is happening.
18. Could trustees be sued over excessive charges?
As US savers fight their pension schemes over high costs and charges, there is concern British trustees could see similar action. James Phillips reports.
19. Where does responsibility lie for BHS scheme woes?
Sir Philip Green's appearance in front of the Work and Pensions Select Committee raised interesting questions around sponsor responsibilities to scheme members says Helen Morrissey.
20. The retirees trapped by pension freedoms
Freedom and Choice was designed to give savers more options at retirement, but some face a hard decision in order to take advantage. James Phillips explores the difficulties.
More on Industry
LawDeb grows pension revenues by 8.3%
Law Debenture posted £11.5m of revenue in its pension business in 2020, growth of 8.3% on the prior year, with its governance service receiving enhanced activity.
Five stories you may have missed this week
This week’s top stories included a legal challenge over the government’s Retail Prices Index realignment, while British Airwards deferred £450m in deficit recovery contributions.
PLSA: Most pension tax reforms will leave things worse and schemes at risk
Most reform options for pension tax will leave many savers with smaller pots and cause substantially more costs for schemes and employers, says the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA).
Scottish Widows adds 289,000 members to build workplace market presence
Scottish Widows’ workplace pension assets hit £68bn at the end of 2020, comprising almost half of its total £113bn of open book assets under administration.
CMI: Excess deaths beginning to fall
The number of deaths registered in England and Wales for week six of 2021 was 27% higher than expected, down from 52% higher than expected in week five of the new year.
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